"We're monks from the Eastern Tang Lands, on our way to the West to worship Buddha and seek the scriptures. We're passing through and have grown weary from the journey. We'd like to find somewhere to rest for a while."
"W-we're poor. We don't have anywhere to host you, Master." The old man glanced instinctively toward Zhu Bajie and the others in the distance, then quickly looked away. Tang Sanzang could tell he was lying, but didn't call him out. This had happened more than once or twice, and he was used to it by now. "Could you tell me which household believes in Buddhism? I can go there to look for a place to stay."
"Oh, let me think." Hearing that Tang Sanzang wasn't going to press the matter, the old man visibly breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, right! The old granny at Steward Jia's home is a devout Buddhist. She's gotten her four granddaughters to start worshipping Buddha and burning incense, too. Every morning, you can see incense smoke rising from their house.
"If you go there, you should be able to find a place to stay."
"Very well. This humble monk will head there at once. Sorry for the trouble, Elder." Tang Sanzang bowed slightly, then beckoned everyone to follow him to Jia Manor.
As they left, the woodcutter couldn't help looking back at Sun Wukong and the others. The mischievous monkey even pulled a face, scaring the old man so badly he dropped his burden and hurried off.
The gesture made Sun Wukong laugh out loud.
"Goku!"
Tang Sanzang rebuked him when he saw that.
"Don't worry, Master. The old man will be back soon. Let's go."
"Ah, you..." Tang Sanzang could only shake his head with a wry smile.
Come on, let's go! Old